Researchers have found a new way to produce human blood cells in the lab that mimics the process in natural embryos. Their discovery holds potential to simulate blood disorders like leukaemia, and to produce long-lasting blood stem cells for transplants.
Azim Surani has followed his curiosity for over half a century, rewriting science in the process.
We’re used to the idea that as adults we have some control over our destiny: what we eat and drink and how much we exercise can affect our health. But the risks of heart disease and diabetes can be programmed much earlier – even before we are born.
Scientists have shown how the precursors of egg and sperm cells – the cells that are key to the preservation of a species – arise in the early embryo by studying pig embryos alongside human stem cells.
Azim Surani (Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute) discusses gene editing of the human germline.
A team of researchers led by the University of Cambridge has described for the first time in humans how the epigenome – the suite of molecules attached to our DNA that switch our genes on and off – is comprehensively erased in early primordial germ cells prior to the generation of egg and sperm.
The Indian Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, announced at the 101st Annual Session of the Indian Science Congress that Professor Azim Surani of the Gurdon Institute has been awarded the prestigious Jawaharlal Nehru Fellowship by the Government of India’s Department of Science and Technology.
Research reveals the mechanism of epigenetic reprogramming.
How do cells become equipped to generate a whole new organism?
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